Looking for a quick and flavorful meal idea? This rotisserie chicken salad recipe is a lifesaver. Packed with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing, it’s perfect for busy lunches, meal preps, or even casual dinners.

Using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this recipe incredibly easy while still delivering restaurant-quality taste. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to for whenever you’re short on time but craving something wholesome and delicious.

What’s great about chicken salad is its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, serve it on a sandwich, in a wrap, or alongside crackers. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. Let’s get started on this easy and satisfying recipe!

Ingredients

1 fully cooked rotisserie chicken (about 3 cups of meat, shredded)
2-3 celery stalks, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, sliced thinly or finely chopped
1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon brown mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None (no cooking needed)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Equipment

A large mixing bowl
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon or spatula

How to Make This Recipe?

Making this rotisserie chicken salad couldn’t be easier. With just a handful of steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy. The best part? No cooking is involved, so it’s all about quick assembly.

Prepare the Chicken

Start by removing all the meat from the rotisserie chicken. Discard any skin or bones, unless you prefer to keep them for other recipes like chicken stock. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring you have about three cups.

Chop the Veggies

Wash and chop the celery stalks into small, crunchable pieces. Dice the red onion finely or slice it thinly, depending on your preference. Properly chopped veggies give the salad a balanced crunch in every bite.

Mix and Combine

Add the shredded chicken, celery, and red onion to a large mixing bowl. Incorporate the mayonnaise and brown mustard, stirring everything together until well-coated. The dressing binds all the ingredients and brings out their flavors.

Season to Taste

Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure even seasoning. Taste as you go and adjust depending on your preferences.

Chill and Serve

Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully together. Serve directly or store for later; it’s even better the next day!

Why I Love Making This Recipe?

I love making this chicken salad because it’s so easy yet packed with flavor. Using rotisserie chicken adds a depth of seasoning without extra effort, and the crunchy veggies make it feel bright and fresh. For me, it’s the perfect balance of creamy and crisp. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile. I usually whip it up on Sunday nights to keep lunches sorted for the week.

Tips and Variations

This recipe is simple to customize! Here are some ways to switch it up, plus tips from my own kitchen experience.

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy twist.
Add fruits like grapes or diced apples for sweetness.
Toss in chopped nuts such as almonds or pecans for added crunch.
A dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika can give it a spicy kick.
For extra flavor, stir in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
I personally avoid overmixing. The texture is better when the ingredients remain distinct.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can try it in these ways for variety and fun presentations:

Stuff it into a sandwich with soft bread or buttery croissants.
Roll it up in a tortilla to make chicken salad wraps.
Serve it on a bed of fresh greens for a healthier option.
Use it as a dip with crackers or crispy veggie sticks like cucumbers or carrots.

Storage and Leftovers

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Avoid freezing as mayonnaise tends to separate.
To enjoy leftovers, give the salad a quick stir before serving. If it feels dry, mix in a spoonful of mayonnaise or yogurt to refresh it.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutrition per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 410
Protein: 14g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 38g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

No dish is totally foolproof. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your chicken salad turns out perfect every time!

Not chilling the salad: The flavors blend better after chilling, so give it some fridge time before serving.
Overloading with mayo: Start with the smaller quantity listed and gradually add more, rather than ending up with an overly heavy salad.
Skipping seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential for boosting the natural flavors. Always taste and adjust seasoning.
Using low-quality chicken: A flavorful rotisserie chicken is key to this recipe. If it’s bland, the whole salad will lack depth.
Adding watery veggies: Be sure to pat vegetables dry before chopping to avoid excess liquid in your salad.

This rotisserie chicken salad is proof that quick and easy meals can also be hearty and delicious. Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Ash Tyrrell